Caps Galiev and other NHL Rookies participate in Foot Golf (Photo: Stanislav Galiev)
With NHL players slowly but surely returning for the beginning of training camp next week, another camp is being sponsored by the NHL and the NHLPA (and held in Washington DC) for rookies that are entering the first year of what they hope will be long, productive careers. The NHL’s Rookie Orientation Camp helps rookies prepare for the life in the NHL. HockeysFuture.com recently published a basic summary of the goals of the camp:
“The NHL and NHLPA agree to jointly sponsor an annual Rookie Orientation Program (“ROP”) in each off-season. The purpose of the ROP is to educate Players regarding the challenges they may face as an NHL Player and the life skills they will need to develop in order to meet those challenges. The NHL and NHLPA will meet each year and agree upon the location, duration, agenda and format for the ROP. Following consultation with the NHL and NHLPA, each Club shall select up to three (3) Entry Level Players who are expected to be playing in the NHL or AHL for a significant period of time in the upcoming season to attend each ROP. Costs of the ROP will be shared equally by the NHL and NHLPA.”
By Michael Fleetwood
